1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Sidekick year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 12 Sidekick years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (9), engine (8), and fuel system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
41
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Sidekick years?
What are the most common 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 9 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 20% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 30MPH. SMASHED THE FRONT END COMPLETELY, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AS A RESULT THE DRIVER DISLOCATED SHOULDER. *AK *ET”
“POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED (CASE # 01-250-843-501, REPORT # 1023282). NLM”
“WHILE DRINVING AT ABOUT 65 ANOTHER VEHICLE RAMMED INTO THE BACK OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS TOTALLY CALLAPSED. ALSO, GAS TANK BURSTED, AND FUEL SPLASHED INTO CONSUMERS FACE. CONSUMER FELT SEATS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN LOOSE BECAUSE THEY WERE…”
“CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WRONG SIZE GAS TANK IS EQUIPPED ON VEHICLE. *AK PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE, DRIVESHAFT FAILURE. BOLTS VIBRATED OUT OF EXHAUST NAMIFOLD. RECURRING NOISE FROM ENGINE PULLEY AREA. *SLC ”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60MPH FRONT RIGHT TIRE STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SIDE & CHECKED. NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. HAD VEHICLE TOWED. MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING. HAD PADS, ROTORS & SHOES CHANGED. AFTER TRYING TO STOP, HAD NO BRAKES. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. *AK”
1998 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions
Is the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 12 Sidekick years. It is one of the Sidekick years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Sidekick problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).
Does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick.
Which Suzuki Sidekick years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sidekick years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1998, 1994. The cleanest record among Sidekick years belongs to 2000.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.